There is an assortment of worms that can attack the intestine, particularly that of children. Therefore, finding the right herbs that kill parasites is essential to deal with the problem naturally.
The most common of these parasitic worms are:
- Oxiures: Small, white roundworms, which are a little challenging to see and can cause itching around the anal area.
- Ascaris: These roundworms are bigger than oxiures and can cause a lack of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain.
- Taeniae: There are several types of taeniae; the most common is the pig tapeworm that can reach lengths of 5 meters, and the hydatic cyst taenia.
The human intestine is the perfect home for intestinal parasites, and they stick to the intestinal walls with suckers on their heads. The best herbs that kill parasites possess vermifuge properties, which loosen parasites and promote their elimination using a laxative substance.
Herbs That Kill Parasites
GARLIC: Garlic is a strong vermifuge against the most common intestinal parasites. It is predominantly effective against ascarides and the little white worms that cause anal itching in kids.
- Contains antioxidant properties
- Helps maintain healthy circulation
- Traditional herb
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, when provided.
BILBERRY: Bilberry is one of the top herbs that kill parasites, especially the ones caused by oxyuridae, which are the small worms that reside within the intestines of children. In this case, a cure with fresh or cooked bilberries in puree over 3 days is beneficial. The sufferer can only consume milk and bilberries during that time.
This treatment has proven successful in the Children’s Hospital of the University of Helsinki, Finland, according to Dr. Schneider.
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- SUGGESTED USE – As an herbal supplement, take two capsules daily with food, or as directed by your health care professional.
ONION: Onions are useful against pinworms and the small white worms that cause anal itching in children. It is best eaten raw.
WORMWOOD: Wormwood expels intestinal parasites. It is a powerful vermifuge. However, adults are likelier to take it because of its bitter taste. Children, on the other hand, refuse to take it.
- INTESTINAL CLEANSE: Artemisia (sweet wormwood supplement) is an ancient and potent cleansing herb and digestive bitters remedy to strengthen immunity and fight exhaustion through digestive support.
- GUT FLORA COMPLEX: Wormwood herb (artemisia absinthium) has been shown to have clinically-relevant TNF-alpha inhibited properties to optimize digestive flora, support healthy intestinal balance, improve digestive conditions, and promote intestinal detox.
TARRAGON: Thanks to its essential oils that are rich in estragole, phellandrene, oxygen, and hydroxicoumarin, this herb helps in the expelling of parasites.
PAPAYA TREE: Papayas are very useful against intestinal parasites, especially tapeworms.
WORMSEED: Wormseed kills intestinal parasites. It is most effective against Ascaris and anchilostomae but does not work against tapeworms and Oxyuridae.
EUROPEAN PENNYROYAL: Pennyroyal is amongst one of the best anti-parasitic herbs. To get rid of intestinal parasites, drink a cup of European pennyroyal tea every day for five days on an empty stomach. The best way to use this herb is to add 10-20 g of pennyroyal into a liter of boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes. Honey is optional as a sweetener.
QUASSIA: This herb is beneficial when utilized as an enema. It is highly effective against oxyuridae parasites, which hang out predominantly around the anus and rectum, where oral medications cannot help.
LAVENDER COTTON: Lavender cotton is a very powerful vermifuge against intestinal parasites such as Oxyuridae and ascarids, which you can mostly find in children.
MALE FERN: The rhizome of this fern contains, among other things, philicine, which can paralyze the muscles of taeniae and other intestinal parasites. Therefore, the worm cannot hold on to the intestinal walls because of paralysis. Once paralyzed, a laxative substance is required to expel the worms from the body. The anti-parasitic properties of the male fern are proven to be effective against the following parasites:
- Every taeniae species
- Botriocephalus
- Duodenal anchilostoma
POMEGRANATE: The rind of the pomegranate, as well as its inner walls, have vermifuge properties, although milder than those of the root or trunk bark. Sometimes, a person who eats this fruit expels intestinal parasites days later without knowing it. Eating pomegranate is like doing a DIY parasite cleanse.
TAMARIND: The leaves of the tamarind tree contain anthelmintic as well as vermifuge properties. Tamarind leaves destroy intestinal parasites, and they are astringent.
TANSY: This herb can paralyze intestinal worms, such as roundworms and oxyuridae. However, it does not kill them; this is where you will need a laxative to flush them from the intestines to finish the job.
PUMPKIN: Pumpkin seeds contain something called cucurbitacin, which detaches the head of tapeworms from the intestinal walls. It is also beneficial against other intestinal parasites, such as ascaridae. Again, a laxative is needed to expel the parasites once the worm is disconnected. Pumpkin seeds are amongst the top foods that kill parasites.
Pumpkin seeds are an effective parasitic worm killer, and they are risk-free. There are no side effects or drawbacks to this parasite cleanse home remedy. Therefore, the seeds are an ideal remedy for children suffering from intestinal parasites such as roundworms and taeniae.
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MUGWORT: Mugwort produces the expulsion of intestinal worms. It is most effective against oxyuridae. Central Americans use this plant widely, thanks to its parasite-expelling properties.
CARLINE THISTLE: A root decoction of the carline thistle plant taken on an empty stomach for 4 or 5 days is highly effective against intestinal worms such as roundworms and taeniae.
THYME: Thyme is an excellent addition to this list of herbs that kill parasites thanks to its properties that help to expel parasites, most notably taeniae, from the intestines. Thyme is also an excellent insecticide that repels lice and fleas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can herbs get rid of abdominal parasites?
Some herbs have traditionally been used to address parasite infections. Still, their effectiveness can vary, and scientific evidence is limited. While certain herbs may create an unfavorable environment for parasites, they should not be solely relied upon for complete eradication.
Which herbs are commonly used for parasites?
This is not an entire list; specific herbs may interfere with drugs or other health issues. Please take responsibility for your health.
Wormwood: Traditionally used against intestinal worms, it can be toxic in high doses.
Black Walnut: Has historical use against parasites, but research is limited.
Garlic: It may possess some antiparasitic properties, but studies are inconclusive.
Cloves: Traditionally used against intestinal worms, but more research is needed.
How do I use herbs for parasites?
Never consume herbs without consulting a healthcare professional. Depending on the herb, usage may involve tinctures, teas, capsules, or powdered forms. Doses and durations vary greatly, and improper use can be harmful.
Are herbal remedies safer than conventional medications?
Not necessarily. It is possible for herbs to cause adverse effects and interact with pharmaceuticals. Always make safety your top priority, and before using any herbal medicines, visit a qualified medical practitioner.
What are the alternatives to herbal remedies?
Depending on the parasite type and severity of the infection, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or other treatment approaches.
Where can I learn more about herbal remedies for parasites?
Seek information from reputable sources like accredited medical websites, research institutions, or healthcare professionals specializing in herbal medicine. Remember, self-diagnosis and treatment are not recommended.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. You should not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 232-233, 261, 296. Print.
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 486, 467,470, 429, 430, 435, 439, 461-462, 500, 524, 536, 537, 606, 625, 750, 771. Print. [herbs that kill parasites]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2491073/
- Mayo Clinic: https://mayoclinic.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/parasites
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/soil-transmitted-helminths
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/condition-1317/intestinal-parasite-infection
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs
- American Botanical Council: https://www.herbalgram.org/
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
- Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases.aspx
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API